Seattle Mariners: Everyone Loves an Underdog – ALDS Pitching Matchups
Game #4 TBD vs. TBD
If the series gets to Game 4, then it’s likely that the Seattle Mariners will throw one of the pitchers listed above, not named Logan. It’s the same for Houston, except Verlander could go on short rest. However, Gilbert and Verlander would be available if their team is on the brink of elimination.
Game #5 TBD vs. TBD
Here’s where both teams will likely start their Game 1 starters should it reach this point. But both pitchers will have short leashes.
This is a tough one for the Seattle Mariners to win on the road with their season hanging in the balance. Despite going 7-12 this season against Houston, the Astros would be fools to count them out.
Final Thoughts
Seattle is playing with a chip on its shoulder. This series against the Astros is a great way to exorcise 20+ years of playoff absence.
In addition, the Astros are the Mariners’ #1 rival at this point. They are the team that stands in the way of not only a trip to the ALCS but also the 2023 season and beyond.
Inspired by @FunDifferential, here you go Mariners Twitter. Your Seattle @Mariners playoff clinch, inspired by Moneyball pic.twitter.com/kxYxFEGZdB
— McMariners (@McMarinahzz) October 1, 2022
Maybe Texas creeps its way up, and the Angels will always have a special place of hate in Seattle’s collective psyche. But the Astros are different. They have a strong lineup, great starting pitching, and a deep bullpen.
The Seattle Mariners have something else going for them. Tim Kurkjian called it “magic.” Daniel Kramer of MLB.com called it “beauty, resilience or simply unbelievable, the Mariners embodied every bit of it.”
When asked about playing against the AL’s top team, Servais said, “you have to realize that you’re in that moment. How do you flip it the other way?” They can look to last year’s World Champions for inspiration.
In 2021, the Atlanta Braves, who won only 88 regular season games, found postseason magic. Despite being down 0-1 to Milwaukie, they stormed back to win three straight in the NLDS.
Against the overpowered Dodgers, they never lost control and won the NLCS in six games. They took down the Astros in six as well. Hotlanta had “it” on their side.
Often it’s the battle-tested team that carries momentum through the playoffs, and rather than asking the question, “Why not us?” the M’s need to tell themselves, “It will be us.”
Related Story: October 8 is the Greatest Date in Seattle Mariners History
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCL2TRRHPk
Joe Swenson is an internationally award-winning playwright who writes primarily about pain and the human element. His baseball drama, The Final Out, will debut this fall.